The Christmas Pavlova Wreath is a festive showstopper that brings a touch of elegance and joy to your holiday table. This airy, cloud-like meringue is shaped into a wreath, its crisp shell giving way to a marshmallow-soft center. Adorned with vibrant seasonal fruits, whipped cream, and perhaps a sprinkle of edible glitter, it’s as much a centerpiece as it is a dessert.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its ability to balance indulgence with lightness, making it the perfect conclusion to a hearty holiday meal. Pair it with a comforting glass of Mulled Wine to savor the warm spices of the season, or add a scoop of creamy Vanilla Ice Cream for an extra touch of decadence.
What makes this pavlova so special? It’s endlessly customizable—top it with jewel-like pomegranate seeds, tangy passionfruit pulp, or fresh berries for a splash of color and flavor. The contrast of textures and flavors—crunchy, soft, sweet, and tangy—makes every bite a delight. Plus, its festive wreath shape instantly elevates your dessert spread.
Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will Too)
- Holiday-ready presentation: The wreath shape and colorful toppings make it a stunning centerpiece.
- Light yet satisfying: Perfect for balancing out heavier holiday meals.
- Customizable toppings: From tangy fruits to decadent whipped cream, you can tailor it to your taste.
- Crowd-pleaser: It’s gluten-free and loved by all ages, making it a versatile choice for holiday gatherings.
Christmas Pavlova Wreath Recipe
Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand whisk
- Large baking tray
- Baking parchment
- Small Bowl
- Fork
- Spatula or piping bag
Ingredients
- For the Meringue
- 6 medium egg whites or 5 large
- 300 g white caster sugar
- 1 tsp white wine vinegar
- 1 tsp cornflour
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- For the Filling
- 450 ml double cream
- 2 tbsp icing sugar
- Fresh fruit I used blackberries pomegranate, raspberries, blueberries etc!
- Freeze dried raspberries
- Raspberry coulis
- Mint leaves
Instructions
- Prepare Oven & Baking Tray: Preheat oven to 150°C/130°C Fan. Line a large tray with parchment and place a small bowl in the center.
- Make Meringue: Whisk egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Gradually add sugar, then mix in vinegar, cornflour, and vanilla.
- Shape Wreath: Spoon meringue around the bowl to form a ring. Use a fork to add texture and carefully remove the bowl.
- Bake: Bake for 1 hour, then turn off the oven and let the meringue cool inside, undisturbed, for several hours or overnight.
- Prepare Filling: Wash and chop fruits. Whisk cream with icing sugar until it forms soft peaks.
- Assemble: Spread whipped cream over the meringue, top with fruit, freeze-dried raspberries, and mint leaves.
- Add edible glitter for a festive touch.
- Serve: Dust with icing sugar and enjoy your beautiful dessert!
Nutrition Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 34 g |
| Sugar | 31 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Protein | 2.5 g |
| Fibre | 0 g |
Tips that Will Ease Your Job!
- Room-Temperature Egg Whites: Use room-temperature egg whites for better volume and stability when whisking.
- Gradual Sugar Addition: Add the sugar one tablespoon at a time while whisking. This ensures the sugar dissolves completely, preventing a grainy texture in the meringue.
- Consistency Check: Whisk until the mixture forms stiff, glossy peaks. Rub a small amount between your fingers; if you feel sugar grains, whisk a little longer.
- Cornflour & Vinegar Magic: These ingredients stabilize the meringue and create a chewy interior while keeping the outside crisp.
- Perfect Ring Shape: Use a bowl as a guide to form a symmetrical wreath. Be gentle when removing it to avoid smudging the meringue.
- Texture Techniques: Use the back of a fork or a spatula to create swirls or peaks in the meringue. This adds an elegant, festive appearance.
- Low & Slow Baking: Bake the meringue at a low temperature to dry it out evenly without browning. Leave it in the oven to cool completely for a crack-free finish.
- Prepare Fruits Ahead: Wash and dry the fruits thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from softening the meringue.
- Whip Cream Carefully: Stop whisking the cream as soon as it forms soft peaks to avoid overwhipping, which can make it grainy.
- Decorate Just Before Serving: Assemble and garnish the wreath close to serving time to keep the meringue crisp.
- Raspberry Coulis Accent: Drizzle raspberry coulis just before serving for a vibrant, tart contrast to the sweet cream and meringue.
- Storage Tip: If preparing in advance, store the unassembled meringue in an airtight container to maintain its crisp texture. Assemble with cream and fruit right before serving.
